Chinnaswamy Set for Final Safety Check Ahead of IPL 2026

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is set for a crucial final inspection on March 13, with a Karnataka government-appointed expert committee expected to decide whether the venue can fully host IPL 2026 matches and other major fixtures.

Although approvals granted earlier this month were only conditional, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) remains confident that the stadium will receive the final clearance. The inspection marks the last major step in a renovation and safety upgrade process that began after the tragic stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 title celebrations, in which 11 people lost their lives.

The overhaul has been carried out in line with recommendations made by the Justice D’Cunha Committee, which conducted a detailed structural and safety audit of the stadium. KSCA was given until March 15 to complete a list of short-term measures aimed at improving crowd management and emergency access.

The upgrades include new entry gates, wider access points, improved walkways, a holding area near the old National Cricket Academy facility, and dedicated entry and exit routes for emergency services. KSCA has also said that all safety audit issues that earlier led to the venue’s power supply being cut off by the state electricity regulator have now been resolved.

Work on the stadium began in mid-December after KSCA elections brought former India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad to the presidency. His administration has since worked closely with government officials to meet the required standards.

RCB are scheduled to begin their home campaign at Chinnaswamy against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28, followed by a clash against Chennai Super Kings on April 5. To improve crowd control, RCB and KSCA are also in talks with Bengaluru Metro and plan to introduce QR-code ticket scanning for smoother, fully digital entry.

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